Tell us a little about your love story:

My husband Drew and I (Ursula) met at the University of Oklahoma in 2006. Our love for the Lord was one of the shared values that instantly drew us together. He was and continues to be the funniest person I know. We got married in September of 2010, and Drew converted to Catholicism on Easter Vigil of 2013. We have two wonderful children, Sam who is 7 and Lucy who is 4.

What inspired you to be part of First Fruits?

I sincerely feel called by God to participate in First Fruits. The purpose of this ministry is something that is near and dear to my heart as my husband and I currently strive to live liturgically and also teach our children about Jesus and our beautiful Catholic faith. I believe there is a great need for Parent Formation in our Church and Catholic School communities.

What’s something you’ve learned—or are learning—about love, marriage, or family life?

First, it is all a gift from God! It’s hard to keep that perspective in the craze of everyday life, especially with small children. I often go back to our wedding homily when our priest, Father John Libone, reminded us that we must die to ourselves daily in marriage. I have learned that we must be intentional with each other as husband and wife to continue “dating” and sharpening each other. Keeping the big picture in mind that what we are doing in the early years of parenthood has a lifelong impact on our children’s formation and their immortal souls.

What’s a tradition or habit that helps keep your family grounded and connected?

We have recently started sharing two highs and one low at dinnertime. It’s not perfect because some evenings are interrupted with baseball or soccer, but we strive to sit down for dinner as a family as often as we can and share with each other what we’re grateful for